Help -- Going from PC to Mac

[John Picard]

A few years ago, I started to realize that the world of Windows and PC's [Eric Cartman] *SUCKS BIG DONKEY BALLS* [/Eric Cartman], and as such I have mulled the conversion to the Mac world. Several acquaintances of mine have switched to Mac and rave about the switch, stating they've never been happier.

My home machine has pretty much died, so rather than plunking down money for a new motherboard, I'm thinking now is the time to convert. My problem is that I cannot decide if I should get a Mini, Mac Pro, or -- ?

Background: I am not a gamer and connect to the InterWeb Thingy via a GSM device (AT&T Wireless). Once I move to civilization I will most likely consider a broadband connection. Unlike my Windows Zombie co-worker (who goes into convulsions when I mention Macs), I do not write any computer code at home. My home machine is used for web surfing, photo management/editing, my basic accounting, spreadsheets management, etc. The advantage I see with getting a Mac machine is going berzerk at the i-Tunes store. I know all of the mac products work seamlessly with each other, unlike PC/Windows products.

So, I need some recommendations for which machine would suit me best. Any other sage advice is appreciated.

 

[StolenThunder]

I can only reply with a quick response just at the moment, but what I should say is that Macworld 2009 has just started and models will be changing some in the next week or so. Keep that in mind while looking about just now.

 

[John Picard]

I can only reply with a quick response just at the moment, but what I should say is that Macworld 2009 has just started and models will be changing some in the next week or so. Keep that in mind while looking about just now.

So the older models should be discounted? That would be cool as I'm on a budget.

 

[MetroKid]

considering you only need it for basic functions. I would say get the Mac mini. it is at a great price point and is adequate for what you need it for. But wait for a few day to purchase, Apple is expected to announce an upgraded model of the Mini today at the MacWorld Expo.

The Mac Pro is WAY more computer than you need.

I would also recommend the iMac. it has a good balance of speed to cost and the built in displays are gorgeous

 

[MetroKid]

I can only reply with a quick response just at the moment, but what I should say is that Macworld 2009 has just started and models will be changing some in the next week or so. Keep that in mind while looking about just now.

So the older models should be discounted? That would be cool as I'm on a budget.

No, they stop selling them as soon as the new one is announced. you might be able to find one on the Refurbished page, but you take your chances with a refurb product

 

[StolenThunder]

Less than a week, in fact. I lost track of the days and the Keynote address is tonight.

I'm not entirely sure how they work the changeover and whether "older" models will be discounted. Generally new products become available very quickly if not overnight.

If you are on a budget, there are three main options.

1. Make sure you get the Mac that suits your needs and put aside the temptation for a 24" screen over a 20" if it isn't necessary, for example. (Boring, I know!).

2. Refurb Macs. Refurbished computers bought from the online Apple store are covered by warranty and apparently a very good way of getting a not insignificant discount.

3. The new Mac mini. It's not confirmed, but the Mac mini may be getting an update which should make it a pretty good machine for your needs. It's always going to be a lot cheaper than the other models. Your experience will be partly dependent on the quality of your current monitor though.

 

[John Picard]

considering you only need it for basic functions. I would say get the Mac mini. it is at a great price point and is adequate for what you need it for. But wait for a few day to purchase, Apple is expected to announce an upgraded model of the Mini today at the MacWorld Expo.

The Mac Pro is WAY more computer than you need.

I would also recommend the iMac. it has a good balance of speed to cost and the built in displays are gorgeous

I was considering the iMac. A friend of mine's son works at the local Mac store, so I was thinking of making an appointment there and talking with him about which would best suit me.

Less than a week, in fact. I lost track of the days and the Keynote address is tonight.

I'm not entirely sure how they work the changeover and whether "older" models will be discounted. Generally new products become available very quickly if not overnight.

If you are on a budget, there are three main options.

1. Make sure you get the Mac that suits your needs and put aside the temptation for a 24" screen over a 20" if it isn't necessary, for example. (Boring, I know!).

2. Refurb Macs. Refurbished computers bought from the online Apple store are covered by warranty and apparently a very good way of getting a not insignificant discount.

3. The new Mac mini. It's not confirmed, but the Mac mini may be getting an update which should make it a pretty good machine for your needs. It's always going to be a lot cheaper than the other models. Your experience will be partly dependent on the quality of your current monitor though.

I have an old CRT and would upgrade to a flat panel as well. I'm basically going to get an entirely new system.

Thank you much for your input. It has really helped.

 

[BorisX]

\The advantage I see with getting a Mac machine is going berzerk at the i-Tunes store. I know all of the mac products work seamlessly with each other, unlike PC/Windows products.

I don't quite understand that. Both iPods and iTunes work fine on windows, so how do you get to go berzerk any more so than normal?

I work at Best Buy, and we've been selling macs for a while. The iMac is a nice machine and looks grea, but its little much. I'm not sure how they do it at the mac store, but when the new mac books came out, we had the old style on clearance for a couple of weeks.

 

[Deckerd]

Yes Macintosh might stop selling old models straight away but the dealers will get rid of their stock at discount. It's a good time to shop for bargains.

 

[John Picard]

A co-worker, who used to work on Macs, recommended the iMac. Best Buy has them for under $1,200. Hopefully, I can examine some of these machines after work one evening.

 

[Chess Piece Face]

I would recommend for the needs you've described do this:

Wait til Macworld is over - today - then purchase the discontinued iMac from some store other than apple (other world computing, newegg, etc) and use the discount to get more RAM. Never buy RAM from apple, as they grossly overcharge.

Enjoy your new system...even if you don't get more RAM you will love it, macs are rock solid and enjoy forgetting about virus protection now!

 

[John Picard]

I would recommend for the needs you've described do this:

Wait til Macworld is over - today - then purchase the discontinued iMac from some store other than apple (other world computing, newegg, etc) and use the discount to get more RAM. Never buy RAM from apple, as they grossly overcharge.

Enjoy your new system...even if you don't get more RAM you will love it, macs are rock solid and enjoy forgetting about virus protection now!

OK, thanks!

 

[StolenThunder]

I have a year old 24" iMac. It's pretty ace.

I personally think a different mouse and separate speakers are necessities but I wouldn't change anything else.

 

[Deckerd]

Oh yes, Mac mice are crap. They are not robust, especially the daft wee tracker ball.

 

[Lindley]

Tracker ball? Mac mice are optical these days. Unless you're talking about something besides the defaults.

 

[Deckerd]

The ones we have have little balls set into them for scrolling (they are all optical). They are all crap. We have microsoft mice on all our working machines.

 

[BorisX]

A co-worker, who used to work on Macs, recommended the iMac. Best Buy has them for under $1,200. Hopefully, I can examine some of these machines after work one evening.

At lest at my store, we often have an open item on an iMac. I know some people shy away from such things, but they are completely software restored, so no worries there. The warranty is still the same, so you could save yourself $120 that way if they have one available.

 

[Hermiod]

Problem solved.

 

[Thurisaz]

A few years ago, I started to realize that the world of Windows and PC's [Eric Cartman] *SUCKS BIG DONKEY BALLS* [/Eric Cartman], and as such I have mulled the conversion to the Mac world. Several acquaintances of mine have switched to Mac and rave about the switch, stating they've never been happier.

My home machine has pretty much died, so rather than plunking down money for a new motherboard, I'm thinking now is the time to convert. My problem is that I cannot decide if I should get a Mini, Mac Pro, or -- ?

Background: I am not a gamer and connect to the InterWeb Thingy via a GSM device (AT&T Wireless). Once I move to civilization I will most likely consider a broadband connection. Unlike my Windows Zombie co-worker (who goes into convulsions when I mention Macs), I do not write any computer code at home. My home machine is used for web surfing, photo management/editing, my basic accounting, spreadsheets management, etc. The advantage I see with getting a Mac machine is going berzerk at the i-Tunes store. I know all of the mac products work seamlessly with each other, unlike PC/Windows products.

So, I need some recommendations for which machine would suit me best. Any other sage advice is appreciated.

My wife would like to sell her Mini, and upgrade to a laptop for school purposes. It is 6 months old, and only used for her schoolwork, and internet. Here are the specs.

Model Name: Mac mini
Model Identifier: Macmini1,1
Processor Name: Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed: 1.83 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 2 MB
Memory: 1 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MM11.0055.B08
SMC Version: 1.3f4

It also has bluetooth, airport, superdrive, and front row. I can also put a fresh install of Leopard, and iLife 08 on it. I still have the box, start up disks, and all the paperwork.

We would like to sell the Acer 20" widescreen monitor, Apple keyboard, Apple mightymouse, and Logitech quickam with it.

 

[Chess Piece Face]

Well, no new iMacs or Minis released today at Macworld. But the good news is all iTunes music is going DRM free! AWESOME!

(add one more vote the the mac mice suck category)